French Courses

Department of French | Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
丁香园AV Calendar 2012 Summer

The following are all the courses offered in this area. To view the current course catalog and/or course schedule on the Student Information System, visit (select "Class Search/Course Schedule" on the left menu).

FREN 120-3 French for Beginners

An introduction to basic vocabulary, grammatical structures, and speech patterns. Emphasis on oral expression and listening comprehension. Instruction in class and in lab. Prerequisite: never studied or experienced French before. Students with credit for FREN 099 may not take this course for further credit.

FREN 121-3 Introductory French I

A comprehensive introduction to basic grammatical structures, vocabulary and pronunciation. Emphasis on oral communication skills. Instruction in class and in lab. Prerequisite: FREN 099 or 120 or less than grade 11 French (or equivalent based on placement test). Students with credit for FREN 100 may not take this course for further credit.

FREN 122-3 Introductory French II

Continuation of FREN 121. Designed to improve speaking and writing abilities by introducing more complex structures and vocabulary. Instruction in class and in lab. Prerequisite: FREN 100 or 121 or grade 11 French (or equivalent based on placement test). Students with credit for FREN 101 may not take this course for further credit.

FREN 198-3 French for Reading Knowledge I

For students with little or no background in French who wish to acquire the ability to read periodicals, journals and basic literary and academic texts. May not be taken by students with French 12 or with FREN 151 (or 210) or higher (or their equivalents).

FREN 210-3 Intermediate French I

Designed to consolidate and expand knowledge of the language. Strong emphasis on oral expression and listening comprehension to develop communicative skills. Instruction in class and in lab. Prerequisite: FREN 101 or 122 or grade 12 French (or equivalent based on placement test). May not be taken by students from French immersion, programme cadre or IB students. Students with credit for FREN 151 may not take this course for further credit.

FREN 211-3 Intermediate French II

Designed to improve listening and reading comprehension. Emphasis on accuracy in oral and written communication. Instruction in class and in lab. Prerequisite: grade 12 French with a grade of A or FREN 151 or 210 (or equivalent based on placement test). May not be taken by FREN 212 or 216 students. Students with credit for FREN 201 may not take this course for further credit.

FREN 212-3 French for Immersion Program Students

Designed for French immersion program students who wish to refine their oral and written language competence. Instruction in class and in lab. Prerequisite: for French immersion program students or those who have studied in a Francophone milieu. Placement test required after registration. Students with credit for FREN 201 or 211 or 216 may not take this course for further credit.

FREN 215-3 Intermediate French: Oral Practice

Designed to develop listening comprehension and oral expression. Instruction in class and in lab. Prerequisite: FREN 201 or 211. May be taken concurrently with FREN 212. Students with credit for FREN 205, 300 or 330 may not take this course for further credit.

FREN 217-3 French Pronunciation through Drama

Through the study of French pronunciation, students will improve their listening and speaking abilities. Drill exercises, intensive practice as well as the rehearsal of drama skits and short French plays will allow students to speak French individually and in groups. Prerequisite: FREN 201 or 211. May be taken concurrently with FREN 212. Students with credit for FREN 312 may not take this course for further credit.

FREN 221-3 French Writing I

A reading and writing course with emphasis on vocabulary and logical structure in written expression. Instruction in class, in lab and online. Prerequisite: FREN 201 or 211, or FREN 212 or 216, or with a grade of A, FREN 151 or 210. In the latter case, FREN 211 and 221 may be taken concurrently. Students with credit for FREN 202 may not take this course for further credit.

FREN 222-3 French Writing II

Focusing on grammar and grammatical analysis, and the process of writing. Instruction in class, in lab and online. Prerequisite: FREN 202 or 221, or, with a grade of A, FREN 201 or 211, or, with a grade of A, FREN 212 or 216. Students with credit for FREN 206 may not take this course for further credit.

FREN 226-3 Reading French: An Interactive Approach

Being able to read a French text (in its many forms) and understand it are the main objectives of this course. A series of progressive exercises combined with stylistics theory will give students the necessary tools to approach any text with confidence. Prerequisite: FREN 212 (If B), or 221 or Placement Test.

FREN 245-3 Introduction to Literary Studies

An introduction to French literary studies with selected works in poetry and prose, including theatre. Attention will be given to methods of analysis. The course will be conducted in French. Prerequisite: FREN 222 (students with B+ in FREN 221 can take 222 concurrently with 245). Students with credit for FREN 240 or 230 cannot take FREN 245 for further credit. Breadth-Humanities

FREN 275-3 French Linguistics Today

An introduction to some fundamental questions about human behavior that can be answered by the study of the language forms, structure, and use. Topics such as how did language begin? Where is French from, and how did it change over the years? How does French vary from place to place, from context to context? Prerequisite: FREN 206 or 222 (students with B+ in FREN 221 can take 222 concurrently with FREN 275). Students who have credit for FREN 270 or 370 cannot complete this course for further credit. Breadth-Social Sciences

FREN 300-3 Advanced French: Oral Practice

Designed to develop ability in oral expression. Instruction in class and in lab. Prerequisite: FREN 206 or 222 or, with a grade of A and permission of instructor, FREN 205 or 215.

FREN 301W-3 Advanced French Composition

A writing course to improve organization and argumentation, paragraph structures and lexical accuracy. Instruction in class and online. Prerequisite: FREN 206 or 222, or, with a grade of A, FREN 202 or 221. Writing.

FREN 304-3 Advanced French Grammar

Continuation of FREN 222, with emphasis on grammatical analysis. Instruction in class and online. Prerequisite: FREN 206 or 222 (or equivalent based on placement test). Students with credit for FREN 302 may not take this course for further credit.

FREN 307-3 The Right Word: Advanced Vocabulary and Translation

Choosing the right word for the right context is the principal aim of this course. Through many practical exercises and a variety of simple translation techniques students will expand their vocabulary and become more familiar with the nuances of the French language. Prerequisite: FREN 206 or 222. Students with credit for FREN 311 may not take this course for further credit.

FREN 320-3 Field School: Special Topics in French I

Selected studies in French language, linguistics, literature or civilization. Prerequisite: FREN 206 or 222, and FREN 230 or 240, and 270. May be taken only by field school participants. Corequisite: FREN 321, 322.

FREN 321-3 Field School: Special Topics in French II

Selected studies in French language, linguistics, literature or civilization. Prerequisite: FREN 206 or 222, and FREN 230 or 240, and FREN 270. May be taken only by field school participants. Corequisite: FREN 320, 322

FREN 322-3 Field School: Special Topics in French III

FREN 330-3 Francophone World

A multidisciplinary analysis of socio-cultural aspects of French speaking countries, involving written work and oral participation. Prerequisite: FREN 206 or 222 or permission of instructor. Breadth-Humanities.

FREN 331-3 Accents of French

An introduction to notions paramount to the study of French accents such as linguistic norm, representations and attitudes, phoneme and allophones for instance. Analyses on short corpora will provide students a hands-on experience and will lead to discussions about relevant methodologies. Prerequisite: FREN 275 or 270.

FREN 332-3 Social Approaches to French

The aim of this course is to offer students a comprehensive view of a set of issues pertaining to the French language in society. The topics studied in class include: social categories and language variation, new technologies and language evolution, language and identity, and language ideology. Prerequisite: FREN 275 or 270.

FREN 333-3 The Magic of French Words

An introduction to the study of the form, structure, evolution and use of French words. Selected topics related to the study of French words in Morphology, Terminology, Orthography, Etymology, Diaphasic and Diatopic Varieties and Language use. Prerequisite: FREN 275 or 270.

FREN 334-3 Topics in French Applied Linguistics

The study of selected topics in French Applied Linguistics. The course may be developed around one or a combination of areas such as Computer-mediated-communication, language pathology, language socialization, translation, error analysis, language in contexts, language planning. Prerequisite: FREN 275 or 270.

FREN 340-3 Readings in Francophone Literature from Quebec and Canada

The study of selected works of Qubecois and Canadian literatures written in French. Prerequisite: FREN 245 or 240. Students with credit for FREN 230 cannot take FREN 340 for further credit.

FREN 341-3 Readings in French Literature from the Middle Ages to the Eighteenth Century (pre-1789)

An introduction of the history of French Literature from the Middle Ages to the late eighteenth century. Prerequisite: FREN 245 or 230 or 240.

FREN 343-3 Reading French as a World Literature

The study of a selection of literary works written in French emphasizing international and/or transnational relations. The course may focus on one or several literatures from North America, Europe, the Caribbean, North Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa and Asia. Prerequisite: FREN 245 or 230 or 240.

FREN 344-3 Readings in French Literature after 1789

An introduction to the history of French literature from the late eighteenth century to the late twentieth century. Prerequisite: FREN 245 or 230 or 240.

FREN 352-3 French and Francophone Cultures through Films and/or Media Texts

Explores various cultural topics of French and Francophone countries (Europe, America, Africa, Asia) with the aid of visual and/or media text documents. Prerequisite: FREN 222. Students with B+ in FREN 221 may take FREN 222 and FREN 352 concurrently.

FREN 385-3 Practicum III

Third term of work experience in the French Co-operative Education program. Students should apply to the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Co-op Education co-ordinator two terms in advance. Units from this course do not count towards the units required for an 丁香园AV degree. Prerequisite: a minimum of 60 units including French courses to the level of FREN 222 (or equivalent placement), successful completion of FREN 285, and a minimum CGPA of 2.75.

FREN 407-3 Language in Translation: A Contextual Approach to French

Translating from English to French allows students to explore and understand the nuances of the French language as well as language transfer. By learning precision in the use of vocabulary, grammar, and syntax, students will improve their writing skills. They will also learn how to identify context in a variety of documents. Prerequisite: FREN 301W or permission of the instructor.

FREN 407W-3 Language in Translation: A Contextual Approach to French

FREN 416-3 Acquisition of French as a Second Language

Examines cognitive, linguistic and social processes involved in the acquisition of a second language, with a focus on the acquisition of French, especially of French as an official language and in a minority language context. Prerequisite: FREN 275 or 370, and FREN 301. Students with credit for FREN 310W may not take this course for further credit.

FREN 417-3 Topics in the Structure of French

Selected topics in the structure of French. Topics will vary according to the faculty and student interests. Develops one or a combination of subjects pertaining to French morphology, syntax, (lexical) semantics and phonology/phonetics. Prerequisite: FREN 270 or 275, and FREN 301. Students with credit for FREN 411, 412, 413 or 415 may not complete this course if topic is the same. Quantitative

FREN 420-3 Discourse Analysis of French

This course aims at providing analytical tools for studying different genres of discourse in French such as billboard advertising, political speeches, literary texts, scientific papers, and pamphlets. Prerequisite: FREN 270 or 275, and FREN 301W.

FREN 423-3 Topics in the History of French

Studies of selected topics in French historical linguistics. Subject matter may include external history, history of sound changes, morphological and syntactic changes. Prerequisite: FREN 270 or 275 and 301W. Students with credit for FREN 408 may not complete this course for further credit.

FREN 424-3 Topics in French Linguistics

The subject matter will vary according to faculty and student interests. Selected aspects of French linguistic theories as they apply to the study, teaching and/or learning of French. Prerequisite: FREN 270 or 275, and 301W. Students with credit for FREN 414 may not take this course for further credit

FREN 425-3 Topics in the Varieties of French

Study of selected topics in French dialectal variation. Subject matter may include, but is not limited to, French Dialects, Canadian French and French Creoles. Prerequisite: FREN 270 or 275, and FREN 301W. Students with credit for FREN 421 and/or 422 may not take this course for further credit.

FREN 430-3 Topics in Francophone Literature from Quebec and Canada

Prerequisite: FREN 301W and FREN 245 or 230 or 240.

FREN 440-3 Topics in French Genre Studies

Advanced study of selected works belonging to a literary genre (novel, theatre, poetry, etc). May be organized by author, period, movement, theme or approach. Prerequisite: FREN 301W and, FREN 245 or 230 or 240. Students with credit for FREN 472, 474 or 475 must seek permission of the Department to take this course for further credit.

FREN 441-3 Topics in French Literature from the Middle Ages to the Eighteenth Century (pre-1789)

Advanced study of selected works composed between the Middle Ages and the late eighteenth century. May be organized by period, movement, theme or approach. Prerequisite: FREN 301W and FREN 230 or 240 or 245. Students with credit for FREN 461, 462 or 463 must seek permission of the Department to take this course for further credit

FREN 442-3 Topics in French Literature from 1789 to 1989

Advanced study of selected works written between the late eighteenth century and the late twentieth century. May be organized by period, movement, theme or approach. Prerequisite: FREN 301W and, FREN 245 or 240 or 230. Students with credit for FREN 467, 470 or 475 must get permission from the Department to take this course for further credit.

FREN 444-3 Topics in Contemporary Literature in French

Advanced study of selected works written from the late twentieth century to the present. May be organized by author, theme or approach. Prerequisite: FREN 301W and, FREN 245 or 230 or 240. Students with credit for FREN 475 need departmental authorization to take this course for credit.

FREN 452-3 Topics in French and Francophone Cultures or Cinemas

Study of selected topics relating to French and Francophone cultures or films. Prerequisites: FREN 230 or 240 or 245; FREN 270 or 275; and FREN 301W.

FREN 476-3 Interdisciplinary Approaches in French Literature

A study of French and francophone literature from an interdisciplinary point of view. Topics will vary to include different disciplines: history, cultural studies, gender studies or the study of the relationships between literature and other arts. Prerequisite: FREN 301W and FEN 230 or 240 or 245.

FREN 480-2 Seminar I

Study in depth of an area covered by a French literature or linguistics course in the 400 division. Prerequisite: FREN 301W and one of 230, 240, 245, 270 or 275. Corequisite: To be taken in conjunction with a 400 division course in French linguistics or literature.

FREN 485-3 Practicum IV

Fourth term of work experience in the French Co-operative Education program. Students should apply to the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Co-op Education co-ordinator two terms in advance. Units from this course do not count towards the units required for an 丁香园AV degree. Prerequisite: a minimum of 75 units including French courses to the level of FREN 301W (or equivalent placement), successful completion of FREN 385, and a minimum CGPA of 2.75.

FREN 491-3 Readings in French Linguistics and/or Literary Criticism

Guided readings in selected topics. May only be taken during the last terms of study; required as a preparation for the honors essay but may be taken by other students with consent of the instructor.

FREN 492-3 Honours Essay

Candidates for honors will be required to submit a major paper on a topic of a comprehensive nature in literature or linguistics to be approved by the course chair. Prerequisite: FREN 491 and at least nine 400 division courses in French literature and/or French linguistics.

FREN 803-5 Research Methods in French Linguistics and/or French Literature

The study of research methods and tools used in French linguistics and/or French literature. Planning a long term research project.

FREN 804-5 Topics in the Structure of French I

Explores a selection of classic problems of the structure of French (phonology, morphology, syntax, lexicology or semantics) applying a variety of theoretical viewpoints, from a diachronic or synchronic perspective.

FREN 805-5 Topics in the Structure of French II

Explores, from a variety of diachronic or synchronic theoretical viewpoints, a selection of classic problems of the structure of French not covered in FREN 804.

FREN 806-5 Topics in the Acquisition of French

New trends and theoretical developments in the acquisition of French as a second language. Study of the contribution of linguistic theory to the teaching and learning of French.

FREN 810-5 Pragmatics and the Structure of French

Explores a selection of themes in the pragmatics of French, for example paralinguistic features of French, phonostylistics, contrastive structures (French/English). A variety of practical applications may be envisaged: pedagogy, translation, stylistic analysis, etc.

FREN 811-5 Topics in the Varieties of French

An in-depth study of one of the many varieties of French (in France and in the world) from linguistic and/or sociolinguistic viewpoints, i.e. popular French, Canadian French, French-based Creoles.

FREN 812-5 Approaches to the Linguistic Analysis of French

Studies the contributions made by a selection of French language specialists to the evolution of various aspects of linguistic theory.

FREN 816-5 Sociolinguistic Approaches to French Studies

Explores the relationship between language, society and identity in France and/or in the French-speaking world. The study, from an integrative point of view, of social markers in speech, conversational rules, objective versus subjective norms, attitudes towards language variation and their implications among French speakers. French bilingualism, language planning and the place of French in the world.

FREN 820-5 Types of Discourse

A study of the language in use, discourse strategies, the enunciation devices of various types of texts, both traditional and non-traditional genres such as oral or para-literary texts.

FREN 821-5 Theories and Methods of Literary Analysis

A study of a selection of significant works by contemporary French critics (Barthes, Genette, Kristeva). The application of their theories and models to the analysis of specific works. May concentrate on one area, e.g. narratology, semiotics, etc.

FREN 822-5 Socio-Cultural Approaches to French Literature

Provides a framework for a detailed study of French literature within its socio-cultural context.

FREN 823-5 Interdisciplinary Approaches to French Literature

Explores the relationships between French literature and other arts or applies concepts and models developed in other disciplines to the study of French literature.

FREN 824-5 Topics in French Canadian Literature

An in-depth study of a theme or an aspect of French Canadian Literature through different literary works.

FREN 825-5 Topics in French Literature

An in-depth study of a topic relating to a period or a movement in French literary history, such as: Middle Ages, Renaissance, Classical Period, Enlightenment, Romanticism, Realism, Naturalism, Existentialism.

FREN 826-5 Monographic Studies

An in-depth study of one writer from a specific theoretical perspective (psychological, historical, linguistic).

FREN 852-5 Selected Topics in French or Francophone Cinema

An in-depth study of a selection of French and/or Francophone films. The approach chosen by the course instructor may be thematic, by genre, author, region, or focus on a specific theoretical perspective.

FREN 897-6 MA Project

FREN 898-6 MA Thesis

FREN 999-6 Field Examination

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